'Working beautifully': Four-hour haying operation starts successfully

摘要

When Top Quality Hay Processors, LLC (TQHP) mowed, dried and baled five truckloads of fourth-cutting alfalfa on Oct. 29 and 30 last year, it probably was the only hay harvested that late in New York State. Extending the growing season isone of the advantages of TQHP's new haying method, first reported in Hay & Forage Grower's August issue shortly before the company's Romulus, NY, processing plant began operating. The method features a 184.5' radiant-heat oven that turns green forage into dry hay in about an hour. The new company buys standing alfalfa from growers and mows it with a modified windrower that conveys it directly into dump wagons or trucks. It's then delivered to the plant for drying and baling. The entire process takes about four hours, says Jeff Warren, a TQHP partner.